Fill out the articles of organization on the RI Secretary of State’s website. You’ll need to know the following information about your LLC: name, address, date formed, registered agent, principal office location, and filing fees.
The simple form is used for sole proprietorships and general partnerships. This form includes some basic information about the entity such as the name, legal description, and filing fee.
Limited liability companies must use the limited liability company form. This form provides additional information about the company including the names of owners, members, manager, and purpose.
General partnership documents include the same information as the limited liability company form except it does not require a separate member list.
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The Rhode Island Articles of Organization are Simple to File!
Choosing a name for your limited liability company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an entrepreneur. You want something memorable, easy to spell, and short enough to fit into a tweet. But choosing a name isn’t just about making it catchy — it’s also about protecting yourself against trademark infringement. If someone else files a trademark application for a similar name, you could end up having to pay thousands of dollars in fees to defend your brand. And even if you win, you’re still out the cost of filing the trademark application. So what do you do?
The answer is simple: file articles of organization under a different name. In fact, there are three ways to protect your company’s identity while keeping the same name:
1. Use a DBA Name
A domestic business entity number (DBE), such as a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), is required for many businesses, including corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. However, because a DBE doesn’t require a separate state registration, it’s often used as a shortcut for setting up a new business without needing to register a name.
2. Use a Trade Mark
If you choose a trade mark, you don’t need to file articles of organization. Instead, you simply register your trade mark with the Secretary of State’s Office. To do this, you must complete a form called “Application for Registration of Trade Mark,” which includes information like the date you filed the application, the type of goods or services covered by the mark, and the name of the owner. Once registered, you can use the mark in commerce anywhere in the world.
3. File Under Different Names
Step 1: Acquire your articles of incorporation forms.
The articles of organization forms are required to form a limited liability corporation (LLC). You must file your articles of organization with the Secretary of State within one month of forming the LLC. If you do not file your articles of organization within 30 days of formation, the LLC will dissolve.
You can choose between an online or offline registration method.
1. Online Filing – This is the quickest way to set up your LLC. All documents needed to complete the online filing process are included in the package.
2. Electronic Filing – This is a faster alternative to the online filing method. With electronic filing, you submit all documents to the Secretary of State via email.
3. Mailing – Use this option if you prefer to mail the documents directly to the Secretary of State.
4. In Person – Bring the documents to the Secretary of States office in person.
Step 2: Complete the articles of incorporation
The articles of organization are the basic documents you must complete in order to form a corporation. They include information about the corporate structure, including how many shareholders there are and what percentage each owns; the directors’ names and addresses; and the date the corporation was formed.
You’ll want to make sure you fill out the articles completely and accurately. If you’re filing for incorporation in Delaware, you’ll want to file the articles in Delaware state court. You can find instructions for filling out the articles here.
If you’re incorporating outside of Delaware, check with your local Secretary of State’s office for specific requirements.
Once you’ve filled out the articles, you’ll need to submit them to your local secretary of state. In most states, you can do this online.
Sometimes, you might need to pay fees to register your newly incorporated entity. Check with your local secretary of state’s office to determine the fees.
Your business name should follow the requirements set forth by the state in which you plan to operate. For example, if you are planning to do business in Rhode Island, check out the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s list of legal names. If you are operating in another state, use the resources there to find out what type of entity you must register. You might even consider getting advice from a local attorney or accountant.
A registered agent is required if your business wants to file tax returns in Rhode Island. This person needs to be able to accept service of process from the IRS and pay any fines imposed. He or she must reside within the state and maintain a physical presence in the state.
Avoid using a name that sounds similar to a trademarked term. For example, if your business sells teddy bears, avoid naming yourself Teddy Bear Company. Instead, choose something like Teddy Bear Creations Inc.
If you buy a domain name, make sure that it does not sound like an acronym or a brand name. For example, don’t purchase the domain name www.buzzfeed.com because Buzzfeed is a popular news site. Also, remember that a domain name is just one part of a complete web address. Make sure that the rest of the URL includes your company name. For example, if I wanted to visit a website called www.TeddyBearCreationsInc.com, I would enter that into my browser.
Registering a domain name is easy. There are many companies online that offer domain registration services. One such company is GoDaddy. To start, simply go to www.GoDaddy.com and sign up for a free account. Then, you can select a domain name that fits your business and add it to your account. Once you have purchased your domain name, you can start building your
You can also purchase a domain name without having to Purpose register it. Many businesses sell domain names directly to consumers. However, you should always check whether the domain name is already taken. Another option is to purchase the a.net,.org or.biz domain name. These domains are generally easier to obtain and less expensive than others.
Find a Domain Now
Registering a domain name is one of the most important steps to build a successful online presence. If you don’t already have a domain name, it’s probably because you’re just starting out or haven’t had much success with previous domains. You might even be thinking about buying a domain name now, but you’re afraid that you’ll make mistakes along the way. Don’t worry—we’ve got everything you need to know to register a domain properly.
Purpose and Duration (optional)
The list of purposes for forming an LLC is long and varied. You might want to start it off with “sole proprietorship,” “partnership,” “corporation,” “LLC,” “limited liability partnership,” “general partnership,” or something else entirely. But what about the duration? Is it just one year, three years, five years, 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, or forever? Most states assume a one-year term if you don’t specify a duration. Some states allow unlimited terms.
A business purpose involves both legal requirements and practical considerations. Legal requirements include things like having a valid business name and being able to prove ownership. Practical considerations include how much money you intend to invest in your business and where you plan to do business.
Step 3: Publish the articles of incorporation
To create an LLC in Rhode island, you must Create complete the process online or by mail. You can do it yourself or hire someone else to do it Get for you.
The filing cost is $150 per individual member. This includes the filing fee and the state fees. For example, if there are three members, the total cost is $450.00. If you want to use a professional service provider, check out our list of recommended companies.
You can either file the documents online or by mail. Here’s what you have to do:
Online: Go to www.rldl.org/corp_registration and follow the instructions.
Mail: Send the original signed copies of the Articles of Organization along with the following documents to the Secretary of State:
• Two forms of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport;
Steps After Your Rhode Island LLC Is Officially Formed
Once you’ve filed your Articles Of Organization, there are several things you should do. First, update your credit card information to reflect the name of your newly formed entity. Next, open up your bank account and deposit $25 into it. This money represents your initial filing fee. Finally, file your federal tax return. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of doing those three things, you can pay someone else to do it for you.
Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a legally binding contract that governs how members of an LLC are treated. This includes things like what happens to profits and losses, what happens to the company if someone quits, and what happens if there is a lawsuit against the company. An operating agreement is different from an articles of organization because it doesn’t set up your LLC; rather, it sets out the rules for how your LLC operates.
You don’t need to use an attorney to write your operating agreement. But you might want to talk to an attorney about whether you need to include certain provisions. For example, some states require you to include a provision stating that you must pay taxes on your LLC’s income. If you’re forming an LLC to engage in activities that could lead to tax liability, you’ll probably want to make sure you include such a provision.
Get an EIN (RI)
An Employer Identification Number (also known as an EIN) is like a Social Security Number for your Limited Liability Company (LLC). It’s one of the most important things you need to know about running a small business. If you don’t have an EIN, you won’t be able to open business bank accounts, pay taxes, or even hire employees.
You can get your EIN from the IRS website, by fax, or by mail—but there are some options you might not know about. We’ll explain each option here, along with what benefits they offer.
Open a Business Bank Account
Business banking is vital to protecting your business against lawsuits and creditors. If you’re starting up a small business, it’s important to open a business bank account, because your personal assets could be exposed in the event your business goes bankrupt. You’ll want to avoid mixing your personal and business funds whenever possible.
When your personal and business accounts aren’t separate, your personal assets are at risk in the case your LLC is sued. Your personal assets include your home, car, and any other valuables.
Get Licenses and Permits
When starting a business, you’ll need to decide whether you want to operate under a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or another legal entity. This decision will affect what kinds of licenses and permits you must hold.
There are many different types of businesses, each requiring specific licensing and permit requirements. For example, if you plan to sell products in Rhode Island, you must register your business with the state and comply with certain regulations. If you plan to open a bar, you’ll need to apply for a liquor license from the city where you plan to open up shop. You’ll also need to check with local authorities regarding zoning laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my Certificate?
If your organization was issued an exemption certificate on or before July 1st, 2018, you must apply to renew your Exemption Certificate. The deadline for renewals is August 30th, 2022.
Where Can You Find Your Rhode Island LLC Articles of Organization
Article 4 of the General Laws of Rhode Island states that “every limited liability company organized under 7-1 shall have a registered office and a registered agent.” Article 2 defines what a registered office is, and Article 3 defines what a registered agent is.
The Rhode Island Secretary of State maintains a list of registered agents and offices. On the left side of the screen, select the option for “LLC Agents,” and enter the name of your LLC. Scroll down to see the addresses.
James Rourke is a business and legal writer. He has written extensively on subjects such as contract law, company law, and intellectual property. His work has been featured in publications such as The Times, The Guardian, and Forbes. When he’s not writing, James enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
